Lindenberger: Norwalk's support of Ernsthausen 'loud and clear

Joe Lindenberger, superintendent of the Norwalk parks and recreation department, expressed his thanks Tuesday for city residents passing the recreation levy.

Last week, a five-year, .65-mill levy passed with 1,049 residents voting in support while 536 voted against the tax.

“Our residents spoke loud and clear that they value the Ernsthausen Aquatic Center. The additional $39,000 generated will go a long way toward maintaining the facility where so many of our residents frequent daily, working on their personal ‘warranty on wellness.’ Thanks again for the continued support of Norwalk parks and recreation,” Lindenberger said.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, Lindenberger gave council an update on the latest happenings in his department.

Compared to April 2017, Ernsthausen is up 400 members and about $65,000 in overall revenue.

The new splash pad will open at 3 p.m. May 29 with the First Splash event starting at 1 p.m. June 2.

“We are going to have free admission to the first 400 people. … We’ll have drone coverage and photography,” said Lindenberger, who invited council members for a free hot dog during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “All the features are installed.”

General services employees have replaced the batting cage netting at Baines Park and installed heavy-duty poles to help support them.

In other action Tuesday, council unanimously adopted separate ordinances that would authorize city department heads to use city credit cards and update the personnel policy in the handling of sexual harassment complaints. Councilwoman Deb Lucal, who represents the first ward, was excused for personal reasons.

Finally, Norwalk Mayor Rob Duncan proclaimed this National Police Week in the city and gave the proclamation to interim Chief Mike Conney. Tuesday was National Peace Officers Memorial Day, which President John F. Kennedy established in 1962.